Cupcakes
So now you’re probably going to think I’m crazy… first I posted a blog about a “bowl of stew”, and now I’m talking about “cupcakes”… No, I’m not crazy. No, I’m not obsessed with food. It just so happens that we listened to two messages where food was the metaphor to the subject.
This illustration actually comes from Seth Godin, an amazing author and communicator. In fact, this is also in his book “graceful.” It’s a short, but really great read…
He said let’s assume you get into cupcake making… The first time you make them, you’ll probably go to the store, buy a box that already has a mix, and you’ll follow the instructions. After you’re done making the cupcakes, they actually taste pretty good.
The second time you make cupcakes, you follow the same instructions, but this time they taste really great. You perfected the recipe on the box.
The third time you make cupcakes, you decide that you’re no longer going to just be a “cook”; now you want to be a “chef”… You decide that you’re not going to use the recipe on the box, but you’re going to give the recipe a twist… explore… try something different.
When the third round of cupcakes is complete, they turn out horrible. Do you stop there? NO WAY! Why? Because cupcake failure is NOT FATAL!
You keep trying and trying again until you find the perfect recipe, one that’s your own… it’s beyond good, beyond great… it’s excellent!
He used this metaphor to encourage people to be chefs, not cooks… take risks and don’t always be afraid of failure. Just because you mess up does not always mean fatality. There are too many cooks in this world, and not enough chefs. Yes, failure can cause tension, but the tension is good. It’s how we discover new ideas.
**DISCLAIMER** Do your research too… learn from those who already took a risk and failed. It will save you a lot of time and headaches. Ignoring wisdom from others is pride. AND It’s not about proving someone wrong either, it’s about listening to what God is telling you to do and doing THAT.
This is so true, I have found myself attempting to becoming a chef. I have made plenty mistakes in my past that has sent me off the path God had planned for me. But when I started to listen, I found myself learning and it began to taste better. That is God’s love and grace!!